Farmers, trade and construction workers, and drivers have been found to have a higher risk of developing skin cancer including malignant melanoma, according to a study published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health,

Based at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Western Australia, the researchers completed a study of Australian workers and Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation exposure, a known risk factor for many types of skin cancers.

"Solar UV exposure is the leading cause of melanomas, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas," said researcher, Professor Lin Fritschi, "and the workplace is a significant setting for exposure for many Australians."

It was found that 37 percent of men and 8 percent of women are exposed to UV at work, and was more likely in lower socio- economic and regional areas. This amounts to 2 million workers in Australia. "Although 95% of the people we spoke to said they used sun protection, the level of protection varied and in reality, less than 9% were fully protected from UV radiation," Professor Fritschi said. "Workers also need to be aware that reflective surfaces can also create significant levels of UVR, which is why tradespeople on roofs, near water or next to a glass window in a vehicle are exposed. The exposure information gathered during this study will be crucial for the future planning and prioritisation of strategies to reducing skin cancer risks in the workplace."The study was funded by the NHMRC, SafeWork Australia, Cancer Council Australia and Cancer Council WA.